Tag Archive: science & technology – intermediate

Honda contemplates $14 billion EV production plan in Canada, Nikkei reports

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think the shift towards electric vehicles might impact the global automotive market in the coming years? Can you name any automakers that have recently made significant strides in electric vehicle technology or manufacturing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. confirm /kuhn-FURM/ [verb] – to officially state or declare the truth or validity of something The company will confirm the appointment by sending a confirmation email to all participants. investment /in-VEST-muhnt/ [noun] – the act of putting money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get…
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Waters may flow on exoplanet K2-18b, suggesting habitability, Webb data reveals

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©NASA/ESA/CSA/Joseph Olmsted (STScI) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think ‘exoplanet’ means? If you were an astronaut exploring space, what would you find exciting or challenging about studying planets beyond our solar system? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – one or more reasons for believing that something is or is not true There is no evidence to support the claim that aliens have visited Earth. distant /DIS-tuhnt / [adjective] – far away The mountain range seemed distant, but we decided to embark on the journey. absence /AB-suhns/ [noun] – state…
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Global Smart Indoor Garden Market flourishes

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some benefits of indoor gardening? How might it differ from traditional outdoor gardening? Have you ever heard of smart indoor gardening systems? What features do you think they might have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. annually /AN-yoo-uh-lee / [adverb] – once a year; yearly We celebrate our anniversary annually with a special dinner. sophisticated /suh-FIS-ti-key-tid/ [adjective] – complex, advanced, and intricate The smart indoor gardening system comes with a sophisticated sensor for monitoring plant health. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of increasing in size or volume; growth…
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Fossil in New Mexico suggests a new kind of Tyrannosaurus rex

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©U.S. Sergei Krasinski/Handout via Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What images or ideas come to your mind when you hear the term Tyrannosaurus rex? What do you expect to discover about this dinosaur? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. evolution /ev-uh-LOO-shuhn / [noun] – the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years The evolution of smartphones has transformed communication in the modern era. selection /si-LEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of choosing someone or something The selection of a candidate for the job involved a thorough interview process. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun]…
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Paleontologists uncover evidence of meat-eating dinosaurs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of examples of animals that are considered predators? What about prey? Can you provide examples of adaptations that predators and prey might have developed over time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. survival /ser-VAHY-vuhl/ [noun] – the act or fact of surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances The cheetah’s speed is crucial for its survival in the wild. massive /MAS-iv / [adjective] – very large in scale, amount, or degree The elephant’s massive size is a key feature that helps it intimidate potential predators. contrary /KON-trer-ee/ [adjective]…
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Unprecedented heatwave ravages Brazil

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a “heatwave,” and how does it differ from regular warm weather? Can you recall any personal experiences or news stories related to heatwaves? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. scorching /SKAWR-ching/ [adjective] – hot or burning The scorching sun made the pavement too hot to walk on barefoot. highlight /HAHY-lahyt/ [verb] – to emphasize or draw attention to something The speaker used graphs and charts to highlight the key points of the presentation. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having great extent The national park had an…
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Study reveals starfish bodies are not what they seem

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think sea stars look like? How do you imagine sea stars moving and living in the ocean? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – traditional and ordinary The small town’s celebration adhered to conventional festivities, with families gathering for a traditional parade and a feast of ordinary yet cherished dishes. boast /bohst/ [verb] – to have or possess something to be proud of The accomplished author could boast a vast collection of published novels, each contributing to the literary world in its own unique way….
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Mercedes unveils cutting-edge electric concept cars outperforming Tesla models

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©Mercedes-Benz AG Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the brand Mercedes-Benz? How would you interpret the meaning of “electric concept cars”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exceed /ik-SEED/ [verb] – to be greater than a number or amount, or to go past an allowed limit The electric car’s range exceeds 300 miles on a single charge, making it a compelling choice for long-distance travelers. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The museum’s special exhibit will feature rare artifacts from ancient civilizations,…
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UK forests face imminent collapse, urgent action needed

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©Nick Upton/Alamy Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are some common challenges or threats that forests around the world face today? How important do you think forests are in terms of their contributions to the environment and human well-being? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength Despite their efforts, the decline in sales was noticeable. collapse /kuh-LAPS/ [noun] – a serious and sudden deterioration or breakdown The collapse of the old bridge was a shocking event for the town. extensive…
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New island emerges in Pacific near Japan’s Iwo Jima

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is land formed in different geographical locations around the world? Can you provide examples of different processes that lead to the formation of land? Have you ever heard of or seen a newly formed island? If so, how do you think such islands are created? If not, have you ever been curious about natural phenomena like islands forming? If so, what sparked your interest in such topics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. volcano / vol-KEY-noh / [noun] – a mountain or hill with a vent through which molten rock…
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